Chris O’Dell

I knew I wanted to be a programmer since I was a child – computers were magical and I could make them do things simply by typing instructions into it. I remember the first time we got the internet at home and I discovered HTML. I decided I’d take computer classes at school despite being the only girl. I then got a degree in Computer Science before embarking out into the world.

It was in my third job and first job in London that I gave my first presentation. I had great encouragement from colleagues and I told a familiar story – our CI/CD development practices. It was 20 mins long and at a small meetup.

To my surprise, I was asked to give the talk again at other meetups and even a full 60 minute version at a big London conference. Suddenly I’m a speaker!

I’ve continued to speak at events and, despite mistakes, I’m enjoying sharing knowledge and I’d like to share these skills with others.